The Milwaukee Bucks appear ready to close the book on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s season, and teammate Bobby Portis didn’t hold back when explaining why.
“I don’t think he’ll play another game this year, for sure,” Portis said speaking on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back. “Just being smart as a pro, right now, I don’t think it’s smart for him to play.”
Milwaukee’s situation has played a major role in that decision. The team has been eliminated from playoff contention, sitting well outside the picture with only a handful of games remaining. With little left to play for, the focus has quickly shifted from competing to protecting their franchise cornerstone.
Antetokounmpo has appeared in just 36 games this season, dealing with multiple injuries, including a recent left knee hyperextension that has sidelined him for the past seven contests.
But the situation isn’t entirely straightforward.
Tension has reportedly grown behind the scenes regarding his availability. The National Basketball Players Association stated that Antetokounmpo is healthy and being held out, while head coach Doc Rivers pushed back, insisting the star forward has not been medically cleared to return.
Portis also addressed the bigger picture, one that goes beyond this season.
“If y’all talking about trading him, you don’t want any injury to knock value off or whatever,” Portis said. “That’s just business-wise, and then player-wise, obviously, you gotta look at just the total picture of what’s going on. We’re 10 games behind for the 10th seed and (with) nine games left, we can’t even make up ground.”
That comment only adds fuel to growing speculation around Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee.
The Bucks explored trade interest ahead of the deadline, and with the offseason approaching, those conversations are expected to resurface. For now, though, the priority is clear, keep Giannis healthy, avoid unnecessary risk, and reassess everything when the season ends.
